Six Things to Do Instead of Working Today
Posted December 29, 2010 in Lifestyle
Some days are just not good days for working. You’ve got a million things distracting you from your work: the dogs are whining, the kids are crying, you’ve got too much on your mind, or you’re so eager for a package coming in the mail (that’s me) that you simply can’t drag yourself to your desk.
Fortunately for us, we’re freelancers which means we don’t have to work Monday thru Friday, eight to five. We can take off on Tuesday at 11 am. And you should–you deserve it.
Instead of feeling guilty for it, enjoy it, there are a ton of other things you can be doing today instead of client work that will not only be enjoyable and fun, but will actually help you along as a freelancer. See, you can have fun and grow your business at the same time!
1. Catch Up
A lot of the time when I find myself unable to concentrate on work, I also feel obligated to stay at my desk, or that I really don’t want to do anything else. I try to use this time to catch up on everything I’ve been missing, from blog posts, to tweets, to even my personal Facebook updates.
Getting busy with work is great, but it can often lead to a period of disconnectedness. You’re so focused on getting your work finished and dealing with clients, that you step away from the social aspect of the web, which if you’re like me, is one of the few ways we actually get to talk to people.
Therefore, if you find yourself unable to concentrate on work, spend the time simply catching up, chat with your followers, get involved in a debate in your industry or find out what other people are working on. This fosters relationships and is great for both your personal and business health. No one wants to be a lonely freelance hermit!
2. Get Lost in a Bookstore
We stay stuck inside of our office or our coffee shops all the time, sometimes longer than 14 hours a day. Do you remember what it was like to step inside a huge library as a kid? To see the thousands of books and feel the uncertainty of where to start first?
Getting lost in a large bookstore or library is one of my favorite things to do. I’m a huge book worm and I believe it’s one of the main reasons I’ve been so successful in what I do. I’m not just talking about business or development books either, I love all kinds of books from the historical to the supernatural. The more you read, the better you become at communication and writing, which are two very essential skills for the freelancer. Plus, it’s a very relaxing past time that gets you away from the hectic drama of work.
3. Work on Yourself
What things have you been wanting to do lately that you’ve been putting off for work? Working on yourself can not only make you look or feel better, but can also increase your productivity and make you look forward to going into work. I’m talking about improving yourself both online and off of it. When was the last time you:
- Updated your portfolio?
- Got a hair cut?
- Cut those nails?
- Got a mani/pedi? (guys, this is for you too!)
- Took a bath? (yuck!)
- Updated your social profiles on sites?
- Bought some clothes?
- Dressed in anything other than PJs?
- Went on a date?
- Changed your Gravatar/online image?
The better you look online and off, the better you’ll feel, the more confidence you’ll emit and the more you’ll attract awesome clients. There’s your excuse for a spa day!
4. Enjoy a Hobby
Some days, you really are wound so tight that you shouldn’t do anything other than something you really love to do. Do you love to read or go fishing? Hunt or build things?
Whatever your hobby is, take some time to enjoy it, even if you’re really busy with work. The break from work will allow your mind to rest and let you come back ready to finish work quicker than you thought possible.
If you don’t have a hobby (Yes some people claim not to!) Try out something you’ve been thinking about. Take some cooking lessons or join a gym or something.
5. Do Something with Your Office
Stop and take a look around your office. When was the last time it was cleaned? Organized? Is it even decorated? You spend most of your time in your office so it should be the best looking room in your entire house. It’s been several months since I moved and redid my office, and it’s still my favorite place to go to every day. Talk about a motivation to work!
6. Spend Time with Family and Friends
When I first started freelancing, I got so caught up with work and clients that I neglected the most important things in my life–my family and friends. For awhile there, I didn’t really have any friends anymore because I worked so much.
This, of course, isn’t healthy at all. Everyone needs a social life, a real social life that doesn’t include Twitter or Facebook! Take time often to visit your family and hang out with friends. One of the things I look forward to most is my weekly coffee with my best friend at Starbucks. It gives me some time to take a break from the office and unwind from work, so I’m ready to come back fresh.
What Are You Doing?
What are you doing instead of working? Is it person, for business or both?
Image by pixietart
Related posts:
- 5 Useless Things You Did Today
- 7 Freelancer Stress-Busters You Can Use Today
- Working Under Fire — Do You Like Stress, or Not?
- There’s More to Freelancing Than Working from Home
- Going Full-Time: Four Things You’ll Miss From the Day Job
About the author: Amber is a freelancer with over 10 years of experience and specializes in clean, semantic and valid HTML5, CSS3 and Wordpress development. She also writes a web development blog at www.amberweinberg.com and just launched a web app for developers at www.codesnipp.it.
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38 Comments
Vivek Parmar
December 29th, 2010 at 8:37 amthis is holiday time and most of the time i’m spending while chatting with friends my love and a good quality time i’m spending with them without thinking of my business and freelancing. After 31st december all things will change again time to move on.
hope these days would last as longer as they can…..
Carol
December 29th, 2010 at 8:42 amloved this Amber.. we have to give ourselves permission to have fun some days and yet you are right.. our work goes so much better when we relax and let it happen and not force it to happen.
One bad day (or what seems a bad day) for writing could actually open the door to a great week of writing (or web work or whatever). Self care is essential to bring balance into life
Problem is when we self care too much.. but that’s another story.. :)
I loved this.. thanks!
Rachel Small
December 29th, 2010 at 10:08 amA couple of months ago, I was sitting in front of my computer completely uninspired. I finally decided to give myself permission to go for a long walk by the river and listen to my iPod – one of my favourite ways to unwind. I felt guilty while I was doing it though because people who have 9-5 jobs aren’t afforded this luxury. When I got back home, I was totally refreshed and ready to work. I had to remind myself that having the freedom to do the things I love is one of the main reasons I got into freelancing. No more guilt!! Thanks for the post!
R. Hiebert
December 29th, 2010 at 11:27 amWhat about the phrase, “If you love your work, you won’t be working for the rest of your life”? Grant it, the operative word is “work”. The definition of “work” has evolved in the last decade. Sitting at one’s keyboard and monitor has some people thinking that they are working. My opinion is that it has something to do with being adequately rewarded for your time.
Chana
December 29th, 2010 at 11:33 amEnjoyed reading this Amber. I normally work late at night when my 9-year old daughter has gone to bed. That way, I can spend quality time with my wife and daughter during the day. If, for any reason, my mind is all clogged up or don’t feel like working that night, I would watch a movie before going to bed. Lots of time, it created inspirations for my work. Watched “Flipped” a couple of nights ago, by the way. Loved it. :)
The Maniac
December 29th, 2010 at 11:48 amGood night, my friend.
I came here to absorb the knowledge that you provide on this blog. I’m so glad to find this blog and read interesting articles.
Nice to visit here. Next time I will come back.
My greetings.
Good luck!
Yari
December 29th, 2010 at 12:00 pmThis is an excellent post. Great for some time off year-round and especially appropriate during the holidays. Sometimes we get so caught up with work work work that we forget that we work to make money to ENJOY OURSELVES!
Lexi Rodrigo
December 29th, 2010 at 12:12 pmI’ve actually been on time off since before Christmas and resumed some very light work today.
You’ve reminded me that I need to catch up on my bookkeeping. Never fun, but absolutely necessary of I’ll regret it (and hate myself) later.
Danielle
December 29th, 2010 at 1:13 pmI took one of these over Christmas break-
Laid out in the sun, read a good book, got a haircut…
I feel so refreshed!
melissa
December 29th, 2010 at 1:16 pmGreat article. I find myself sitting in front of my computer a lot not working, but feeling too guilty to go do something else. This article is a good reminder why I became a freelancer in the first place…for the freedom!
Oh, and add “take a nap” to your list of things to do. Catching up on sleep is always a good thing to do. :)
DanaB
December 29th, 2010 at 1:41 pmWhat a great post! While we freelancers have heard ‘take a break’ before, you managed to say it in a fresh and exciting way–thanks!! :)
~~
TLC
December 29th, 2010 at 8:07 pmVery true. When you get so busy, you forget to look up and get out of your cave. One of my goals for 2011 is to get out among people more. I want to find another TIPS group (first one wasn’t very good) and find another social club of some sort. It’s too easy to stay at home and do stuff!
Final Cut Studio
December 29th, 2010 at 9:57 pmGreat article! With my Jack Russell Terrier, he keeps reminding me that I need to step away from the computer and entertain him for a while. The breaks give me an opportunity to think about a task or hurdle and come back refreshed (without being pestered by my buddy!)
Ameet
December 30th, 2010 at 12:34 amgetting about haircut is good idea…just remembered havent visited them since last 6 months, phew!!
Angelee
December 30th, 2010 at 3:39 amI know it’s Amber speaking.. haha… Having a new haircut is my plan since last week so thanks for reminding! And I’m having great time with the 6th one.
Stephanie
December 30th, 2010 at 8:23 amAnother great article Amber! #3 and #4 really caught my attention today. I’ve been planning a lot on the things to do for 2011 and updating myself (profiles, website, etc) is one of my major priorities.
Theo
December 30th, 2010 at 8:44 amSimply great, ahhhhhh thanks!
Caitlin Kelly
December 30th, 2010 at 10:09 amGreat post. Here’s my writing tip on taking “hooky days” to get outside and to play.
http://caitlinkelly.com/tips/tip12.htm
In winter, especially where it’s cold and icy, I’d suggest finding a park bench to enjoy some sun for 20 minutes and/or a walk. It’s too easy to spend all our time indoors.
Steve Atkinson
December 31st, 2010 at 3:41 pmWe may not work a 9 to 5 job, but I’m sure that if we truly calculate the hours that we put into our jobs it would add up to much more than the usual 40, 50 even 60 hours or more a week.
But we do have to remember to take some time for ourselves. I use to go months without a haircut, recently I decided to go ahead and schedule one every 8 weeks or so.
Fortunately part of my job allows me to get out to see the sights, so that’s not a problems. What’s been a problem is to really enjoy them while I’m out. This past summer I spent a few hours a week sitting on a bench at a park on our local river. I enjoyed it so much I made it a regular part of my day. I also have had some good ideas come to me “whiling away the hours”. So much that I consider it time well spent.
And don’t forget that going to a business open house, chamber function, or charity event is a great time to network. That person you had a beer with may be your next big client.
Hoping everyone has a great 2011.
Chana
January 1st, 2011 at 2:33 amPhew! Finally cleaned up my desk. Dusts, piles and piles of papers that should have been thrown away since last year! Now my working area is so pleasant to my eyes. :) Oh well, back to work.
dp
January 10th, 2011 at 11:21 amI love roaming around the streets when everyone else is slaving in the office. It makes me feel like an individual. Good post.
So it goes…
-dp
Rudy Hiebert
June 5th, 2011 at 8:07 pmThere was a time when we could accumulate sick days and cash them out for extended leave or just save them for when we retired. Those days are gone, like a lot of other things. I realize this thread may be about those who are self-employed and choose to unplug by going to the beach or ride the bike instead of being being connected. In such cases, it will be there when you get back.
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January 5th, 2012 at 2:11 amEnjoyed examining this, very good stuff, thankyou .
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